Meet Adam
Adam was reported to have a history of behaviours perceived to be challenging since early childhood. After residential school Adam had several placements, some out of area and away from his family, all of which broke down. This led to Adam being detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007) for six years.
It was documented that Adam experienced extreme anxiety and communication difficulties which resulted in severe self-harm and risk to others. During his time in services, Adam had been given various diagnoses including Atypical Autism, Moderate Learning Disability and Epilepsy.
When we met Adam, he was an inpatient in an adult locked mental health hospital, with a significant trauma history. Assessment indicated that Adam may benefit from changes in environment and in the way he was supported. Our team proposed that we would be supported to acquire a suitable home, near his family, with an initial package comprising 3:1, experienced all-male team support, 24 hours a day.
This is the package of care we designed for Adam…
Accommodation
Working with the local housing association, a two- bedroom detached bungalow was identified, close to Adam’s family. To meet his complex emotional and sensory needs, Adam’s home was assessed, adaptations made, and agencies were supported to identify beneficial equipment.
Staff Team
In consultation with Adam’s family, we recruited an all-male staff team who had previous experience of working with adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism both in community settings and hospital environments.
Training
Further to our comprehensive induction training, our Multi-Disciplinary Team delivered person-centred training specifically designed to meet Adam’s needs prior to supporting him in his home. This included PROACT-SKIPr-UK®, epilepsy and how to administer buccal medications commonly used to treat seizures. The team also learnt how to use the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to help communication needs.
Shared Interests
Adam had limited opportunities to explore hobbies and interests when we first met him but when settled, he did appear to enjoy car journeys. We ensured there was always a driver on shift and the team recognised the importance of introducing Adam to new activities, experiences and establishing routines.
Clinical Input
We built weekly hours into Adam’s package of support, and our clinical team have guided Adam’s team with physical health, routines, the use of PECs, introducing a sensory-enriched environment, activities and have supported the team to take a positive approach to risk and support. Over time, Adam’s physical health improved, as has his communication and this has been beneficial in reducing anxiety and other related behaviours.
How is Adam today?
We have been supporting Adam since 2020. His quality of life has dramatically improved.
Adam has rated his satisfaction with identified key areas that impact his quality of life. A score above 4 shows he is ‘happy’ (October 2023).
When we first started supporting Adam, his package of support was 3:1 24 /7 (or 504 weekly hours). We have been able to reduce support, and Adam is now supported by two staff members and is active in his community.
Adam really likes to be out in the car and has a wide range of activities he enjoys including going bowling, riding roller coasters, visiting the beach and paddling in the sea.
‘Adam is an energetic, bouncy young man who is also a bit of a thrill seeker – he loves visiting theme parks! We go out and do something every day which is incredible bearing in mind he would only walk to the shop at the top of the road before. He always has a smile on his face and loves being in the car for drives or days out.
When I think back to the young man we first met, the transformation from then to now is unbelievable. We are so proud of how far he has come – every day with Adam is a fun day!’
(Support Worker, Adam’s Team)